Bishop Joe L. Ealy

Bishop Joe L. Ealy, Prelate

Church of God in Christ First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Southern California

A little about BISHOP JOE L. EALY . . .

Bishop Joe L. Ealy is known as a man of humility, character and integrity. He began his journey for Christ at a young age.  His anointing was evidenced early as he began working in the Greater 11th Street Church of God in Christ, Riverside, California under the pastorate of the late Elder F. A. Washington.  From these early years, his life’s calling was determined.  At the age of nine, he responded to the call to preach the gospel.  He was known all over the Riverside/San Bernardino area as the “Boy Preacher.”

At the age of sixteen, he received his ministerial license and served as the youngest District Youth President of the Church of God in Christ in the Southern California area. He was ordained as an Elder by Jurisdictional Bishop Samuel M. Crouch at the age of twenty-one.  For several years, his pastor at the Greater Harvest Church of God in Christ, Superintendent Emmitt Campbell mentored him.

In 1960, he was inducted into the United States Army and received an honorable discharge in 1962 with the rank of sergeant.  During this two year period he received two military awards.

In 1965, with seven adult members, this gifted speaker was appointed Pastor of a small storefront church in the city of Wilmington. On June 4, 1989, Bishop Ealy and the Gospel Memorial Family dedicated an ultra modern sanctuary at 1480 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, California. Today, this church is recognized as a beacon light and hope in the city of Long Beach. He continues to be a strong spiritual leader to his congregation and a very active member in the Long Beach community.

Bishop Ealy was selected as the Jurisdictional Prelate of the Southern California First Jurisdiction on September 12, 2009, and was consecrated on November 9, 2009 in Memphis, Tennessee. The First Jurisdiction is comprised of more than 200 churches.